AU – EU YOUTH FOCUSED LINK & LEARN EVENT Dec 8–10, 2025 BISHOFTU – ETHIOPIA

The Link & Learn Event 2025 was convened in Bishoftu, Ethiopia, from December 8–10, 2025, under the umbrella of the AU–EU Youth Action Lab, OXFAM and RESTLESS Development, hosted by TAYA  organisation in Addis Ababa. This youth-focused gathering brought together grantees, young leaders, innovators, and changemakers from Africa and Europe to share achievements, exchange lessons, and spark collaborations from ongoing grant supported projects, as well as organisational scope and roadmaps.

Set against the inspiring backdrop of Kuriftu Resorts, the 3 days event provided a dynamic platform for dialogue, collaboration, and youth-led innovation, strengthening Africa–Europe partnerships and empowering the next generation of leaders, with a very engaging and interactive agenda.

Objectives

• To Link, To Learn AND To Share.
• Foster cross-continental collaboration between African and European youth.
• Showcase youth-led achievements and innovations.
• Provide a platform for knowledge exchange and co-creation of solutions for sustainable futures.
• Strengthen the AU–EU partnership through youth participation and leadership.

Key Activities

• Plenary Sessions & Dialogues: Focused on youth innovation, sustainable development, and Africa–Europe cooperation.
• Collaborative Workshops: Designed to encourage co-creation of solutions addressing global challenges, and also establishing good governance systems for sustainability of the youth led organisations.
• Networking Opportunities: Facilitated partnerships among youth organizations, civil society, and innovators.
• Showcase of Achievements: Youth-led initiatives presented their impact stories and lessons learned.

Research Collaboration

A notable highlight was the joint research initiative implemented by EDISE Mobility VZW, HARD Uganda and Bright Future Kenya. EYE 4 SDGS “Enhancing Youth Engagement for the SDG Advocacy” project.

Focus & Impact of Research:

Evolution of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Specifically, SDG 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 13, and 17.

Examining how these SDGs have influenced youth development and opportunities in Belgium, Uganda, and Kenya.

Key Insights:

• SDG 3 (Health & Well-being): Improved youth access to health services and awareness campaigns on managing other associated effects.
• SDG 4 (Quality Education): Enhanced educational opportunities, with emphasis on digital learning and vocational training.
• SDG 5 (Gender Equality): Progress in empowering young women leaders, though challenges remain in rural contexts.
• SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth): Youth entrepreneurship initiatives gaining traction and leadership skills in the AU and EU.
• SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Cross-border collaborations addressing social and economic disparities.
• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities): Youth-driven urban innovation projects in Belgium and East Africa.
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): Strong youth advocacy for climate resilience and green innovation.
• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Strengthened Africa–Europe youth networks and institutional partnerships.

Outcomes

• Enhanced Youth Collaboration: Stronger ties between African and European youth organizations.
• Policy Influence: Youth voices integrated into AU–EU partnership frameworks.
• Innovation Exchange: New projects and collaborations initiated across health, education, climate, Women/gender rights, and entrepreneurship.
• Research Contribution: The SDG-focused study provided evidence of youth impact and areas for further action.

Conclusion

The Link & Learn Event 2025 successfully reinforced the role of youth as drivers of innovation and sustainable development. By uniting diverse voices from Africa and Europe, the event advanced the AU–EU partnership and empowered young leaders to co-create solutions for shared global challenges.

The collaboration between EDISE Mobility VZW, HARD Uganda, and Bright Future Kenya exemplifies the transformative potential of youth-led research and partnerships in achieving the SDGs.

Recommendations

• Continue supporting youth-led research and innovation across Africa and Europe.
• Strengthen funding mechanisms for cross-continental youth collaborations.
• Integrate youth perspectives into AU–EU policy frameworks at all levels.
• Expand Link & Learn platforms to more regions, ensuring inclusivity and diversity.